Brassieres

ABSTRACT

Brassieres have torso straps with adjustable tensioning mechanisms.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/847,621, filed Apr. 13, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/833,634, filed Apr. 12, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/210,949, filed on Jun. 15, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Brassieres which provide additional support are disclosed. At least one embodiment of the disclosed brassieres is easier to use by a woman who has limited or no use of one arm. Another feature is intended to assist adjustment by users with limited or no vision.

There is a need for brassieres which provide better support and comfort, particularly during times of high activity such as when the wearer is participating in sports. There is also a need for brassieres which can be used by women amputees and other women with disabilities, such as partial or total blindness.

SUMMARY

One version of the disclosed brassieres comprises two breast cups, two shoulder straps which respectively extend over each shoulder, and at least one strap which extends generally horizontally, at least partially around the torso of the wearer.

One embodiment of the disclosed brassieres comprises shoulder straps which extend to the front lower portion of the breast cups. The front lower portion of each shoulder strap branches into a plurality of straps, e.g. branches into an inverted Y-configuration. In this embodiment, the front portion of each shoulder strap has two lower end portions. The lower ends of each end portion of the shoulder strap are attached to a front, lower portion of a breast cup. Thus, in this embodiment, each shoulder strap is connected to each breast cup at two spaced positions. The fork of the Y, i.e. the point at which a shoulder strap splits into two sections, is preferably above the wearer's nipple. The angle formed by the lower front straps is preferably, but not limited to, about 45°. The provision of two connections between the lower ends of each shoulder strap and the lower portion of each breast cup more evenly distributes the supporting forces of the shoulder strap to the breast cup than a more common single point of attachment between a brassiere's shoulder strap and a top edge of a breast cup.

In at least one version, the disclosed shoulder straps preferably pass through generally flat, tubular channels in the breast cups.

Other versions of shoulder straps branch from a single strap into more than two straps which are connected to a breast cup proximate the lower edge of the breast cup.

The single strap portion of the shoulder strap is preferably provided with a number of visible or tactile indicia such as horizontal lines printed or sewn on the front, i.e. the forward facing surface, of the shoulder strap and are spaced a desired distance, such as 5 mm or 1 inch apart. These indicia are provided to assist a user while adjusting the shoulder strap to her size prior to donning the brassiere. These indicia are located on the front, i.e. forwardly facing surface, of each single shoulder strap above the top edge of the breast cup so that they are readily visible or discernable to the user. The tactile indicia are particularly useful for women with impaired sight. Any desired number of indicia can be provided but the shoulder straps each preferably comprise at least 2 evenly spaced indicia.

Another aspect of the disclosed brassieres comprises two breast cups, two shoulder straps and an adjustable, generally horizontal strap. The breast cups in this embodiment comprise a top edge, an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portions of the breast cups in this embodiment also comprise at least one and preferably a plurality of slots through which the horizontal strap passes. The horizontal strap comprises connectors for attaching a first portion of the strap to a second portion of the strap. This embodiment permits the horizontal strap to be attached to itself on the side of a wearer and is particularly suitable for a wearer with limited or no use of one of her arms, for example an amputee, physical therapy patient, and women with arthritis. For example, if the wearer's right arm has been amputated, the wearer can use her left arm to secure the horizontal strap to itself on the right side of her torso.

An alternative embodiment of the disclosed brassieres comprises two breast cups, two shoulder straps and an adjustable, generally horizontal strap with a front latching system. The breast cups in this embodiment comprise a top edge, an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portions of the breast cups in this embodiment also comprise at least one and preferably a plurality of slots through which the horizontal strap passes. The horizontal strap and each breast cup or a decorative cover over the breast cups comprise, but is not limited to, connectors, e.g. Velcro®, for attaching the horizontal strap to the breast cups or cover. In this embodiment, the end portions of the horizontal strap extend through a first breast cup and are secured to the second breast cup or a cover on the second breast cup.

Another aspect comprises a garment with a front latching system, a ring or similar structure is provided at a position generally central between the breast cups. Each end of the horizontal strap extends through a breast cup, through the ring or similar structure, and then back to the same breast cup or breast cup cover through which that end portion extends.

Another aspect of the disclosed brassieres comprises at least one breast cup, a shoulder strap for each breast cup and a torso strap with an adjustment mechanism which permits a wearer to selectively adjust the tension in the torso strap. The breast cups in this embodiment comprise a top edge, an upper portion and a lower portion. Channels are provided in each breast cup for receiving a shoulder strap and the torso strap.

Also disclosed are brassieres with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tension in the torso strap. Bras with this feature are provided with at least one cord or wire, e.g. a nylon cord, which extends through a tubular channel in the torso strap. The ends of the cord are fed into a tensioning mechanism, such as a small, windable, ratcheting spool, which allows a wearer to tighten or loosen the torso strap by simply winding a small button on the ratcheting mechanism or selectively unwinding the spool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a brassiere shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of a brassiere shown in FIG. 1 shown on the upper torso of an amputee.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a first embodiment of a brassiere with portions removed and shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a first embodiment of a brassiere with portions removed and shown on the upper torso of an amputee.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a first embodiment of a brassiere shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a first embodiment of a brassiere shown on the upper torso of an amputee with a disconnected horizontal strap.

FIG. 7 is a front, perspective view of a breast cup of a brassiere.

FIG. 8 is a front, perspective view of two shoulder straps of a brassiere.

FIG. 9 is a front view a horizontal strap and two breast cups of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is front view of a horizontal strap, two breast cups and two shoulder straps of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a second embodiment of a brassiere with portions removed and shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a second embodiment of a brassiere shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a third embodiment of a brassiere with portions removed and shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a third embodiment of a brassiere shown on the upper torso of a person.

FIG. 15 illustrates a further embodiment comprising a multi-layered breast cup.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a bikini top embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a woman's garment showing another aspect.

FIG. 18A is a close-up view of the tensioning mechanism shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 18B is an exploded view of the tensioning mechanism shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 18C is a cross sectional view of a gear tooth of the tensioning mechanism shown in FIG. 18B.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the woman's garment shown in FIG. 18 with sections removed to show the interior arrangement of layers.

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 20-20 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 21-21 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the garment shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 23 is a side, perspective view of another aspect.

FIG. 24 is a side, perspective view of another aspect.

FIG. 25 is a side, perspective view of another aspect.

FIG. 25A is a close-up view of tactile indicia on the shoulder strap shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 26 is a side, perspective view of another aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments are directed to brassieres. As used herein, the term “brassieres” includes sports bras, bikini tops and other swimwear requiring support for breasts.

The illustrated embodiments of the disclosed brassieres comprise two breast cups, two shoulder straps which are respectively designed to extend over each shoulder of the wearer, and at least one strap which extends generally horizontally, at least partially around the torso of the wearer. One or more optional decorative covers are provided to better conceal the inner construction of the illustrated embodiments.

FIGS. 1-10 illustrate two aspects which are shown in a single brassiere but which can be implemented separately. The first of the two aspects shown in FIGS. 1-10 is a branched shoulder strap which extends over the wearer's shoulder as a single strap, is a single strap at the top edge of the breast cup and branches to a plurality of straps at a location between the top edge and the bottom edge of the breast cup. The lower branches of the shoulder strap are secured, e.g. by sewing, to a lower portion of the breast cup, preferably to a lower edge of the breast cup. The branching from a single strap to two or more front lower straps preferably occurs at a location which is above the wearer's nipple when the brassiere is worn.

With reference to the figures, FIGS. 1 is a front view of the first illustrated embodiment which comprises a two shoulder straps 10 and 20 and a front decorative cover 75. FIG. 2 is a side view of the first illustrated embodiment showing a portion of shoulder strap 20, decorative cover 75 and a horizontal strap 50. As generally illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shoulder straps 10 and 20 are each formed as a single strap from the portion which passes over the wearer's shoulder to a location below the upper edge of breast cups 30 and 40, respectively. The front lower portion of each shoulder strap branches into a plurality of straps, e.g. branches into an inverted Y-configuration. Shoulder strap 10 branches into two lower branches 12 and 16, while shoulder strap 20 branches into two lower branches 22 and 26. In this illustrated embodiment, the front portion of each shoulder strap has two lower end portions but other embodiments can comprise a greater number of lower portions. The lower portions may, but are not necessarily, the same width. The front lower ends of each shoulder strap are secured to a front, lower portion of a breast cup. Thus, in this embodiment, each shoulder strap is connected to each breast cup at two spaced, front lower positions. The fork of the Y, i.e. the point at which a shoulder strap splits into two sections, is preferably above the wearer's nipple.

The “shoulder straps” described herein can also be neck straps, such as in a bikini embodiment described below in connection with FIGS. 16 and 17. As used herein, the term “generally vertical strap” is meant to include shoulder straps and neck straps.

The point at which the shoulder or neck strap splits The provision of two spaced connections between the lower ends of each shoulder strap and a lower portion the breast cup more evenly distributes the supporting forces of the shoulder strap to the breast cup than a more common single point of attachment between a brassiere's shoulder strap and the top edge of a breast cup.

The upper front portions of each shoulder strap 10, 20 is optionally provided with a length and tension adjustment component 11, 21, respectively, such as a strap slide.

A second aspect of the brassiere illustrated in FIGS. 1-10 comprises an adjustable, generally horizontal strap 50 which extends through lower portions of each of the breast cups and substantially around the torso of the wearer. As best shown in FIG. 7, the breast cup 30 in this embodiment comprises an upper edge 32, an upper portion 34 and a lower portion 38. The lower portion 38 of breast cup 30 in this embodiment also comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of slots 35 through which the horizontal strap 50 passes. Breast cup 30 also comprises a recess 36 which is dimensioned to receive the front lower portion of shoulder strap 10. Breast cup 40 is configured substantially as a mirror image of breast cup 30.

The horizontal strap 50 comprises connectors 53, 54 for attaching a first end portion of the strap 50 to a second portion of the strap 50. This embodiment permits the horizontal strap 50 to be attached to itself on the side of a wearer and is particularly suitable for a wearer with limited or no use of one of her arms. For example, if the wearer's right arm has been amputated, the wearer can use her left arm to secure the horizontal strap 50 to itself on the right side of her torso. Suitable connectors include hook-and-eye fasteners, strap slides, magnets, Velcro®, zipper, clips, snap-ons, laces and the like.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the first illustrated embodiment showing horizontal strap 50 extending around the side of an amputee. FIG. 5 is a rear view of this embodiment showing shoulder straps 10 and 20 connected to horizontal strap 50 with connectors 51, 52, respectively. While it is feasible to fix the rear portions of the shoulder straps to horizontal strap 50, the use of selectively releasable connectors allows the wearer the option of crossing the shoulder straps when desired. Connectors 51 and 52 can be the same type of connectors used for securing the end portions of horizontal 50 to each other. FIG. 6 is a right-side view of the first illustrated embodiment showing the connectors 53, 54 on opposite end portions of strap 50 in an unsecured configuration. As illustrated with connector 54, it is not necessary that these connectors be positioned on the very end of the horizontal strap.

FIG. 8 illustrates the shoulder straps 10, 20 of the first illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates horizontal strap 50 passing through the slots of breast cups 30, 40, respectively. FIG. 9 also shows recesses 36, 46 in breast cups 30, 40, respectively, which receive shoulder straps 10, 20.

FIG. 10 shows all of the components of the first illustrated embodiment, with the exception of optional decorative cover 75. FIG. 10 shows shoulder straps 10, 20, breast cups 30, 40 and horizontal strap 50.

As noted above, a brassiere can benefit from incorporating one aspect of the disclosed brassieres without necessarily incorporating another aspect even though the first illustrated embodiment described herein includes two aspects.

A third aspect of the disclosed brassieres is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 and comprises two shoulder straps 110, 120, two breast cups 130, 140 and an adjustable, generally horizontal strap 150 with a front latching system. The lower portions of the breast cups 130, 140 in this illustrated embodiment also comprise at least one and preferably a plurality of slots through which the horizontal strap 150 passes. As in the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 comprises a single horizontal strap 150. The illustrated front latching mechanism operates by securing a first end portion 155 of horizontal strap 150 to the decorative cover 176 positioned over the left breast cup 140 and a second end portion 157 of horizontal strap 150 to the decorative cover 175 positioned over the right breast cup 130. In this embodiment, the opposite ends of horizontal strap 150 cross each other. The actual connector used can be one or more of the connectors described above with respect to connectors 53 and 54. The use of a front latching system is more convenient for some users, particularly users who are partially disabled.

A fourth aspect of the disclosed brassieres is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 and comprises two shoulder straps 210, 220, two breast cups 230, 240 and an adjustable, generally horizontal strap 250 with a front latching system. The lower portions of the breast cups 230, 240 in this illustrated embodiment also comprise at least one and preferably a plurality of slots through which the horizontal strap 250 passes. As in the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 comprises a single horizontal strap 250. The illustrated front latching mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 does not necessitate the crossing of horizontal strap 250 and utilizes a ring 280 or similar component such as a double strap slide which allows each end of horizontal strap 250 to be folded back in the direction from which it was woven through the slots 235 of the breast cups. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the use of a ring 280. The ring operates by passing a first end portion 255 of horizontal strap 250 which passes through right breast cup 230 through ring 280 and securing the first end portion 255 to the decorative cover 275 positioned over the right breast cup 230. Similarly, a second end portion 257 of horizontal strap 250 which passes through left breast cup 240 is passed through ring 280 and secured to the decorative cover 276 positioned over the left breast cup 240. Thus, in this embodiment, the ends of horizontal strap 250 do not cross in front of the wearer. The manner of securing the horizontal strap 250 to the cover can be any suitable method. For example, connectors such as one or more of the connectors described above with respect to connectors 53 and 54 can be utilized. As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the use of a front latching system is more convenient for some users, particularly users who are partially disabled.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 comprises separate decorative covers 275, 276 over breast cups 230, 240, respectively. While the embodiments described above in connection with FIGS. 1-12 are shown with single decorative covers, the breast cups in those embodiments can also be provided with two or more decorative covers. The decorative covers are preferably fixedly secured to the breast cups, e.g. by sewing.

The disclosed horizontal straps can be formed of a material with elastic properties which permit stretching during use or can have a fixed length. The term “strap” as used herein includes a stretchable structure more commonly referred to as a band. A plurality of complementary fasteners are optionally provided at different positions on the horizontal strap to allow the wearer to adjust the length and tension on the horizontal strap.

The breast cups of still further embodiments are formed in multiple layers with the inverted Y-shaped portion of the shoulder straps sandwiched between layers of the breast cup and with the generally horizontal straps passing through the inner layer of each breast cup. FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate embodiment comprising an outer breast cup 330, a shoulder strap 310 and an inner breast cup 332.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a bikini top embodiment which comprising a single neck strap 410 comprising right lower straps 412, 416 and left lower straps 422, 426, a right tension adjuster 411, a left tension adjuster 421, right breast cup 430, left breast cup 440 and horizontal strap 450. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, but has a single neck strap 410 rather than two shoulder straps.

FIGS. 18-23 illustrate two other versions of brassieres, each having a continuous torso strap and a single internal cord which can be readily tightened and loosened by the wearer to facilitate maximum support and comfort. These illustrated versions are similar with the exception of the placement of the tensioning mechanism. As shown in FIGS. 19-23, the illustrated versions of brassieres have a front decorative cover 630, front bra cups 640, a torso strap 900 having an internal cord 950, bifurcated shoulder straps 610, rear bra cups 660, and rear decorative cover 680. The version shown in FIGS. 18-21 has a tensioning mechanism positioned in the front between the breast cups while the version shown in FIGS. 22-23 has the tensioning mechanism positioned on the side and preferably, slightly forward of the wearer's arm. Both of these versions have continuous torso straps and are therefore pull-over type brassieres-which a user typically dons by simply pulling the bra over her head and inserting her arms between the shoulder straps and torso strap.

The front decorative cover, front bra cup, torso band, shoulder strap and rear bra cup can be made of a range of materials. Particularly suitable materials are selected from one or more of Nylon 6.6, hemp, bamboo, recycled nylon 6.6, Lycra®, Spandex®, Stretchone® Emana® Amni soul eco® Evo® Q-nova® Nano fibra® Q-cycle®, cotton, polyester. The preferred material for these components is presently believed to be Nylon 6.6.

The Denier range for the front decorative cover, front bra cup, torso band, shoulder strap and rear bra cup is 2 Denier to 80 Denier, preferably 5 Denier to 40 Denier and most preferably 10 Denier to 30 Denier. The elasticity range is 0% to 100%, preferably 4 to 80% and most preferably 5 to 15%.

These components are preferably formed with a needle having a guage of 10-20, most preferably 15-20.

Other than the O-ring which is preferably formed of a natural or synthetic rubber or rubber-like material, the base, spool and winding button of the tensioning mechanism are preferably formed of plastic or metal. The cord is preferably formed of Nylon or Lycra.

Unlike the version shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the torso strap 900 of the versions shown in FIGS. 18-23 passes through a channel formed by stitching between front breast cup 640 and rear breast cup 660. The torso strap 900 has an internal cord or wire 950 which can be selectively tightened or loosened by the wearer. In other words, the tension on the cord 950 can be selectively increased or decreased via tensioning mechanism 800.

As used herein with respect to the tensioning of a torso strap, the terms “cord” and “wire” are used synonymously and each include single strand and well as multiple strand, flexible lines. The cords and/or wires can be formed of any suitable material such as nylon, flax, cotton, hemp, etc.

One example of a suitable tensioning mechanism as illustrated in FIGS. 18A-18C has a ratcheting spool which can be selectively wound and unwound by the wearer. From the wearer's perspective as shown in FIG. 18A, the illustrated tensioning mechanism has a winding button 810 and is connected to a base 820. The winding button 810 is relatively rotatable and axially movable with respect to base 820 which is preferably connected to the fabric of the brassiere.

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the winding button 810 has an inwardly projecting circumferential rim 811 and an inwardly projecting pin 812. Pin 812 serves as an axle which keeps winding button 810 aligned and connected to base 820. When the illustrated tensioning mechanism is assembled, pin 812 passes through a spool 830, O-ring 840, a center hole 823 in the bottom of base 820. The separate components of this tensioning mechanism are held in position with a resilient C-clip 850 positioned inwardly of base 820 and which engages a circumferential groove 814 in pin 812. The O-ring 840 holds the tensioning mechanism assembly sufficiently snug while allowing sufficient axial relative movement between the winding button 810 and spool 830 so that ratchet teeth 816 can pass to adjoining ratchet slots 836 when the button 810 is rotated. The cord 950 passes through opposing holes 835 of spool 830.

The rotatable spool has a plurality of outwardly facing ratchet slots 836 designed to engage a corresponding number of inwardly facing ratchet teeth 816 on winding button 810. The length of pin 812 and the location of grooves 814 permit pin 812 to be moved inwardly relative to the base 820 between an engaged (pushed in) position wherein the ratchet teeth 816 are engaged with the ratchet slots 836 and a released (pulled out) position where the ratchet teeth 816 are not engaged with the ratchet slots 836. Thus the ratchet teeth 816 on the button 810 engage the ratchet slots 836 on the spool 830 and cause the spool 830 to rotate relative to the base 820 when the button 810 is in the engaged (push in) position and rotated. When the button 810 is in the engaged position, rotation of the button 810 causes rotation of the spool 830 relative to the base 820 and the cord 950 is wound around the recessed outer circumferential surface 832 of the spool 830. This winding action thereby tightens the torso strap on the wearer. The rotation can be reversed by pulling the button 810 to the released position and rotating the button 810 in the reverse direction to loosen the tension on the cord or wire 950 and, consequently, in the torso strap 900. FIG. 18C is a close-up of one of the ratchet teeth 816 on winding button 810. As shown, the rounded side surface 817 facilitates the tooth riding up the ratchet slot 836 while the flat side surface 819 prevents the undesired unwinding of the spool 830 when the winding button 810 is in the engaged position.

Base 820 can be generally flat, but is preferably arched. If the base 820 is provided with a flat flange for connection to the fabric, the pin 812 may extend beyond the inner side of the flange 820 and be felt by the wearer when depressed. A preferred version of the tensioning mechanism has a base 820 with opposing ends 822 and 824 disposed further inwardly than the center section 826 where hole 823 is located and through which pin 802 passes. The illustrated arched base 820 reduces the likelihood that the pin 812 will poke or push against a wearer when the winding button 810 is depressed.

FIG. 20 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view taken along lines 20-20 of FIG. 19 and show the positions of the two portions of shoulder straps 622, 626 sandwiched between front bra cup 640 and rear bra cup 660. The outer decorative layer 630 and inner decorative layer 680 are also shown.

FIG. 21 is a vertical, cross-sectional view taken along lines 21-21 of FIG. 19 and show the positions of the upper portion 621 of the shoulder strap and the torso band 900 sandwiched between front bra cup 640 and rear bra cup 660. The outer decorative layer 630 and inner decorative layer 680 are also shown.

FIG. 24 illustrates another version of a brassiere with an adjustable, generally horizontal torso cord 960 which has two, generally parallel portions which come together into a single wire or cord portion at each end. The single wire/cord portions are received by or connected to the tensioning (ratcheting) mechanism 805 to permit adjustment of the cord tension. The tensioning mechanism can be located on either side of the wearer's torso, preferably slightly forward of her side or, alternatively, at the wearer's sternum, i.e. between cups in a two cup brassiere. In this illustrated version, the garment has two internal, generally parallel channels (illustrated by dashed lines above and below each parallel portion of the cord 960) which maintain the separation and general position of the parallel portions of the cord. The channels are preferably not visible to the wearer.

FIG. 25 illustrates another version of a brassiere having a torso strap with a plurality of separate tensioning cords. In this version, two separate cords 950 are positioned in separate channels. The cords or wires from different channels are not joined into a single cord or wire. Rather each end of each cord 950 is fed into its own tensioning mechanism. While not preferred, alternatively a tensioning mechanism can receive more than two ends of cords, i.e. a single tensioning mechanism may be used to tension a plurality of cords.

FIG. 25 also shows indicia 615 on the front surface of shoulder strap 610. These illustrated indicia are in the form of raised stitching so are advantageously both visible and tactile. The tactile indicia are provided to facilitate desired adjustment of the shoulder strap relative to strap slide 611 by any wearer, but particularly a wearer with partial or total blindness. All strap slides discussed herein are of conventional design, e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Alternatively, brassieres which are fully openable, e.g. with clasps in the back or between the cups, can be provided with the ratcheting mechanism by securing the ends of the internal cords to the fabric of the torso strap near the separable parts of the torso strap and feeding the respective other ends of the cords/wires into the winding, ratcheting mechanism.

In an embodiment, the point at which a shoulder strap or neck strap splits into multiple straps is preferably about one inch to about three inches below the top edge of the breast cup.

As noted above, a brassiere can benefit from incorporating one aspect of the disclosed brassieres without necessarily incorporating another aspect.

The various brassieres disclosed preferably comprise one or more decorative covers over the front and rear surfaces of each of the breast cups. The decorative covers are preferably fixedly secured to the breast cups, e.g. by sewing.

The disclosed torso straps can be formed of a material with elastic properties which permit stretching during use or can have a fixed length. The term “strap” as used herein includes a stretchable structure more commonly referred to as a band. A plurality of complementary fasteners are optionally provided at different positions on the horizontal strap to allow the wearer to adjust the length and tension on the horizontal strap.

While the illustrated embodiments each comprise two breast cups, other embodiments of the branched shoulder strap and torso strap comprise a single breast cup and are useful for persons having a single breast, e.g. a mastectomy patient. 

1. A brassiere comprising a front portion and a rear portion, said brassiere comprising: at least one breast cup adapted to support a breast and comprising a top portion, an upper edge, a bottom portion and a generally horizontal channel extending entirely through the interior of said bottom portion; a shoulder strap supporting said at least one breast cup; a torso strap extending through said channel and forming a continuous loop adapted to pass around a wearer's torso; a tensioning cord passing through said torso strap; and a tensioning mechanism for selectively tightening or loosening said torso strap.
 2. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said shoulder strap comprises at least one generally vertical strap extending from said rear portion to at least one of said breast cup; said at least one generally vertical strap extending from the top portion of a breast cup to the bottom portion of said breast cup, said at least one vertical strap comprising a single strap proximate the top portion of said breast cup and branching into a plurality of lower, front straps at a first location which is below the top portion of said breast cup and above the bottom portion of said breast cup such that a plurality of lower, front straps extend to the bottom portion of said breast cup.
 3. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said at least one vertical strap comprises two shoulder straps.
 4. A brassiere according to claim 1 comprising two breast cups.
 5. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said at least one vertical strap is a neck strap.
 6. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said first location is above a wearer's nipple.
 7. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said first location is about one inches to about three inches below the top edge of said at least one breast cup.
 8. A brassiere according to claim 1 wherein said tensioning mechanism comprises a ratcheting spool.
 9. A brassiere according to claim 1 further comprising at least one decorative cover over at least one of said breast cups.
 10. A brassiere according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of torso straps, each of said torso straps comprising a tensioning cord.
 11. A brassiere according to claim 10 comprising a tensioning mechanism for each torso strap.
 12. A brassiere according to claim 1 comprising a tensioning cord comprising a plurality of generally horizontal, parallel portions.
 13. A brassiere according to claim 12 wherein said parallel portions are disposed in separate channels formed in said torso strap. 